Gabitril

What is it?

An antieonvulsant preparation which is a GABA uptake inhibitor. GABA is gamma-aminobutyric acid, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter and alterations in its neurochemistry are involved in the production of seizures. Available as film- coated, white, scored tablets of different strengths containing 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg of tigabine, as hydrochloride, marked 251, 252, or 253, respectively.

Medical Uses

Additional therapy in partial seizures, with or without secondary generalisation which is not controlled by treatment with at least one other anticomvlsant.

Dosage

Without enzyme inducers, 5mg twice each day with meals at first for 1 week, then adjust in weekly increments of 5 to 10mg; maintenance dose is in order of 15 to 30mg each day. With enzyme inducers, same doses but to achieve a maintenance dose in the order of 30 to 45mg each day. Doses over 30mg daily should be given as 3 separate doses.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disease, previous, severe behavioural difficulties, drug should be stopped gradually over course of 2 to 3 weeks.

Avoid Use

Children, severe lives disease.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Phenobarbitone, phenytoin, primidone, carbamazepine.

Known Side Effects

Diarrhoea, tiredness, loss of concentration, slowness in speech, mood swings, trembling, mild depression, nervousness, tiredness.

Manufacturer

Sanofi-Synthelabo.